It was one of those leave-it-at-the-door, live-in-the-now, forget-it-all kind of nights with Sam Smith on Wednesday at Rogers Place.
The British singer-songwriter, who rose to fame in 2014 with his debut album The Lonely Hour, is still celebrating the release of his second album with The Thrill Of It All tour by paying tribute to the magic of the musical experience.
No sadness, just the beauty of the sound.
“I’m very aware my music is a bit depressing,” Smith said to the excited crowd at Rogers Place. “We’ve been working really hard to make sure tonight makes you feel good, and not [expletive].
“To have you leaving here feeling good and happy, all I need you to do tonight is leave at the door whatever you’re going through, because tonight is about singing and dancing as loud and crazy as we can.”
It was, indeed, one of those special nights.
Powerhouse singer Beth Ditto brought her raw voice and alternative roots on stage to heat up the crowd. The former Gossip frontwoman showed off her dynamic and energetic sound, paying homage to one of the most recognizable female voices with a sharp rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”.